FOSPHENYTOIN

Generic Name : FOSPHENYTOIN

TradeName : FOSOLIN vial FOSPHEN inj

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : This medication is prescribed for short-term injection to control generalized convulsive status epilepticus and prevent and treat seizures occurring during neurosurgery. It blocks the spread of seizure activity in the brain.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Hypersensitivity to fosphenytoin, phenytoin, or other hydantoins; patients with disorders in heart rate and rhythm such as slow heart rate, sino atrial block, second- and third-degree AV block, and Adams-Stokes syndrome.

When it is to be taken : IV/IM Tonic-clonic status epilepticus As phenytoin Na equivalents (PSE): Loading dose: 15 mg PSE /kg via IV infusion. Maintenance: Initial: 4-5 mg PSE/kg/day, subsequent doses depend on patient's response and trough-plasma phenytoin levels. Seizures Except status epilepticus: As PSE: Loading dose: 10-15 mg/kg. Maintenance: Initial: 4-5 mg/kg/day; subsequent doses depend on patient's response and trough-plasma phenytoin levels

How it should be taken : It comes as an injection, to be taken by IV, IM.injection administered by your doctor or other healthcare providers.

Special Instruction :
It may cause liver or kidney damage; Caution need for elderly; patients requiring phosphate restriction; resuscitation facilities must be available. Monitor ECG, BP and respiratory function during infusion; observe patient for at least 30 minutes after infusion. IV infusion rate should not exceed 150 mg PSE/minute in adults or 3 mg PSE/kg/minute in children ≥5 yr.

Side Effects :
HEART
Low blood pressure, dilatation of blood vessels, fast heart beat.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
Involuntary eye movement, dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, tremor, headache, incoordination, stupor, weakness, increase in muscle tone, abnormal movements, tingling, agitation, decreased reflexes, brain edema, speech disorder, sensory loss, vertigo, abnormal thinking, increased reflexes, intracranial hypertension, nervousness.
Dermatologic
Itching, face edema, rash.
EENT
perception of sound within the human ear in the absence of corresponding external sound. Double vision, taste perversion, blurred vision, deafness.
GI
Nausea, dry mouth, tongue disorder, vomiting, constipation.
BLOOD
Easy bruising.
SKIN
Injection-site pain.
METABOLIC-NUTRITIONAL
Low potassium in blood.
MUSCULOSKELETAL
Back pain, muscle weakness.
RESPIRATORY
Pneumonia.
MISCELLANEOUS
Pelvic pain, chills, fever, infection, fetal defects during pregnancy.

Other Precautions :
Do not change the dosage, and avoid abrupt withdrawal.

Drug Interactions :
Some drugs could change the level of fosphenytoin in the blood and result in the patient having no effect of the drug or experiencing side effects. Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking before starting fosphenytoin.

Storage Conditions :
Injection: Store at 2-8°C. Do not keep at room temperature for more than 48 hours.